Texas Rangers Blog

Hamilton can expect Jays’ defense to gear up with shifts, more shifts

Josh Hamilton can expect a full weekend of hitting against shifted defenses. Toronto, based on information put together by coach Brian Butterfield, rivals Tampa Bay in its use of defensive shifts.

Hamilton hit .300 with no homers and only one RBI in 20 at-bats against the Jays last season. He missed the first series against Toronto this season because of back soreness.

“He’ll see some,” Toronto manager John Farrell said. “If we can get him to hit the ball on the ground, we’ll be OK. As soon as the ball goes in the air, we’ve seen what happens then.”

It happened in the second. Hamilton led off with his first homer since May 12.

Briefly: Catcher Mike Napoli was removed from the original lineup because of an upset stomach. The club expects Napoli to be available to start Saturday. … Washington made it official that right-hander Scott Feldman will make his second consecutive start in place of Feliz on Tuesday against Seattle. Pitching coach Mike Maddux said he is trying to arrange for Feldman to throw batting practice, probably Sunday, to help him in the move from bullpen. … Major League Baseball reversed a scoring call from the Rangers’ win at Seattle on Tuesday and took an error away from third baseman Adrian Beltre. Alex Liddi received a hit.